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Re: Some video of a restored PAK 40 being fired, and a description of same.

Definitely couldn't keep your position a secret.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan

Re: Some video of a restored PAK 40 being fired, and a description of same.

Originally Posted by tankgeezer

You Tube video giving a basic tour of the German Anti-Tank gun, and some info, and of course it being fired. Very impressive. http://youtu.be/T7fhBm1ouSU

Like many people outside, and in, the US, I have some difficulties with US gun laws.

Then again, listening to the various weapons being fired in that video (is there a heavy machine gun?); watching what looks like minor artillery or mortars exploding downrange behind the speaker; and a brief look at small artillery to the left of the gun as the camera pans near the end of the video, I confess to a serious degree of envy in not being allowed to set up my own personal amusement park where I could responsibly* blast the shit out of the countryside with any calibre I can get my hands on.

*This is in contrast to something I read back in the 1960s where a couple of American farm boys were reported to have bought an army surplus artillery piece which they failed to use responsibly by, in a most un-neighbourly act, firing it at another farmer ploughing his land on a tractor. Fortunately lack of training produced lack of accuracy.

Re: Some video of a restored PAK 40 being fired, and a description of same.

Originally Posted by Rising Sun*

Upon reflection, is the crew member who fires it also the bloke who inserts the next round, so he has to be in that position?

I'm guessing here as I don't know the crew, or drill requirements for this gun, but with A.T. guns of this type the man aiming it remains in his position throughout the engagement, since the rate of fire needs to be kept as high as possible for them to survive. There would be loaders, and others handling ammo, and seeing to the other details. Since the aimer/ gunner has to remain on the sights to acquire, and track targets, the button or lever arrangement might be the best thing to use. Lanyards were useful in keeping the crew out of harms way when firing a gun that had poor recoil control, and was given to jumping, and rolling. Or were just so large that being near the breach ring was dangerous.
As to civilians owning Artillery, the weapons are regulated at the Federal, and State levels, and require a comprehensive process to have one transferred and costs $200 per transfer (this process is repeated each time it is sold) The current wait time is about 8 to 12 months. Ammunition is not regulated beyond that of any other firearm unless its explosive. The Gun itself is classed as a "Destructive Device non explosive" and the explosive munitions are classed "Destructive Device, explosive" ( this classification also includes live grenades of most types, mines, and Aerial bombs) Each round would require the same regulatory process, and have to be serial numbered, each carrying the same $200 transfer Tax. Then when they are used, there is a form to complete, and submit detailing their being expended, and by serial number. Although antique Artillery is not regulated in this way, explosive munitions for them would be.
It is fun to attend a big gun shoot, I think you would enjoy it. this is typical of a Mortar shoot, the ammunition being largely old Bowling Balls fired for score. http://youtu.be/DaA8xLvFl5Q

Re: Some video of a restored PAK 40 being fired, and a description of same.

Originally Posted by tankgeezer

I'm guessing here as I don't know the crew, or drill requirements for this gun, but with A.T. guns of this type the man aiming it remains in his position throughout the engagement, since the rate of fire needs to be kept as high as possible for them to survive. There would be loaders, and others handling ammo, and seeing to the other details. Since the aimer/ gunner has to remain on the sights to acquire, and track targets, the button or lever arrangement might be the best thing to use.

Never seen crewed anti-tank gun fired, but what you say makes sense.

Aimer gets it on target, has hand on firing button, fires it instantly when moving target acquired. Really no other way to do it.

I still don't like the idea of being that close to an artillery piece that has potential for serious recoil if spades aren't dug in properly, particularly if I have my eye glued to the sight when it fires.

Re: Some video of a restored PAK 40 being fired, and a description of same.

Originally Posted by tankgeezer

Bring home Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi

Pity he wasn't carrying just drugs, or he'd have been ignored.

Nice to know that Mexico, that bastion of freedom and rule of law where drug cartels routinely use a vast array of weapons to murder, dismember and display the bodies of whoever gets in their way, has a legal system that gets all legalistic over a geographically challenged Yank with about the standard armoury for a small time Mexican drug dealer.